As people become more aware and conscious of what they are putting on and in their bodies some ingredients have received a bad reputation. Some of these reputations are deserved however there are some misconceptions. One of these is that silicone is unsafe and should be an ingredient to avoid in skincare. Based on scientific research, we are here to set the record straight.

What is Silicone:

Silicones are a polymer stemming from sand which is silicone dioxide. Silicone is second to oxygen as the most abundant chemical element found on Earth. Silicone polymers are made when two oxygen atoms attach to each silicon atom creating molecular chains that can be combined easily with other chemicals for varying purposes.

When looking for silicone products in your cosmetic or beauty products you are looking for ingredients ending in ‘cone’, ‘conol’, or ‘siloxane’. Examples of these include dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane.

Why is silicone so abundant in beauty and skincare products?

Silicone has many properties that make it a go to ingredient when formulating products.
-Firstly it is non-reactive which makes it gentle and hypo-allergenic on the skin which reduces the risk of irritation.
-Silicones give products a silky, smooth texture without them feeling oily or greasy on the skin. This quality also helps to spread products evenly onto the skin.
-Using silicones in moisturises helps to create a non-occlusive barrier that helps to prevent moisture loss. This emollient effect assists with long term hydration.
-Silicone is permeable which allows other important ingredients to be absorbed by the skin

Silicone Myths

Myth: Silicones suffocate your skin by creating an occlusive layer.
Fact: Silicones create a breathable, protective layer over your skin that can be penetrated by water and oxygen molecules. They can also be penetrated by other key skincare ingredients including water-soluble ingredients. Silicone polymers used in skincare have a nature and large molecular size that does not allow them to clog pores.

Myth: Silicones are toxic
Fact: Medical grade silicones such as those used in Saint Louve products are produced in a way that meets all safety requirement.  There are some silicones that can be toxic however all silicones used in skincare have never been linked to adverse health effects when applied to skin.

Myth: Silicones are not sustainable
Fact: Silicones are made from sand which as mentioned above is one of the most abundant substances on earth and when silicones degrade, they break back down to sand, carbon dioxide and water.

Myth: Silicones are an unnecessary filler ingredient
Fact: As mentioned silicones play an important role in hydrating the skin. They are also proven to increase the skins’ ability to benefit from other ingredients such as antioxidants. It is also a hypoallergenic way to create products that spread smoothly and evenly on the skin, creating a silky feeling without the use of oils or occlusive ingredients.

Myth: Silicones cause acne
Fact: Studies have found that silicone’s permeable and hypoallergenic properties make it an ingredient that is favoured in products to aid in improving acne prone skin.

There is no scientific based research that supports avoiding silicones in skin care. They do not pose any health risks and have been proven to play a positive role in skin health. They improve hydrating qualities and the texture of products. Silicone is so safe and gentle that it is even used as a protectant on raw wounds and burns.

Here at Saint Louve, knowledge is how we make the best decision for our health, and we encourage individuals to be educated on what they are putting on their skin. Our Saints are always happy to answer any specific concerns via support@saintlouveskincare.com.au.

We pride ourselves on the fact that we are providing our customers with the best product possible with safety, efficacy and the environment at the forefront of our production choices.

References:
Scars, Burns, and Healing, August 2019, ePublication
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, February 2016 Supplement, pages 67-76
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, May 2014, pages 36-44